What oil did the dealer use?
03-04-2012, 02:11 PM
#2
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Call up the parts department, they know for sure. Many dealers are now using Mobil-1 ESP Formula M 5W-40, which was recently a MB diesel only oil. Many bring in their own Mobil-1 0W-40.
For Northern colder climates, a thinner approved oil is a good choice, like Castrol Edge Syntech 0W-30, for better cold starts and mpg's.
______________ *** All Members, New and some Old *** _______________
please click on User CP at the top left of page, just below the thread title. Then add the following to either Profile and/or Signature , selecting buttons on the left side of that page:
year, model, if it's a diesel, Sport or Lux, 4MATIC or RWD, Location (city & state), and non-US country if applicable.
This helps others respond to issues, like tires, part sales, etc. Thanx
.
For Northern colder climates, a thinner approved oil is a good choice, like Castrol Edge Syntech 0W-30, for better cold starts and mpg's.
______________ *** All Members, New and some Old *** _______________
please click on User CP at the top left of page, just below the thread title. Then add the following to either Profile and/or Signature , selecting buttons on the left side of that page:
year, model, if it's a diesel, Sport or Lux, 4MATIC or RWD, Location (city & state), and non-US country if applicable.
This helps others respond to issues, like tires, part sales, etc. Thanx
.
Last edited by kevink2; 03-04-2012 at 02:15 PM.
03-05-2012, 10:33 AM
#3
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If that is what you received, no worries. This is approved by Mercedes.
There is also a ESP Formula M (the ESP is the key), which would mean it was oil for the additives. Highly unlikely they put that in your car. I wouldn't be the end of the world either, it just wouldn't protect as long as it has fewer additives.
I take 0w40 in myself because it is even richer in additives than the Formula M gas version, but Formula M is otherwise VERY similar to 0w40, just a bit weaker on a few additives since it only meets Mercedes spec and not a bunch of others too like 0w40.
03-05-2012, 10:35 AM
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Call up the parts department, they know for sure. Many dealers are now using Mobil-1 ESP Formula M 5W-40, which was recently a MB diesel only oil. Many bring in their own Mobil-1 0W-40.
For Northern colder climates, a thinner approved oil is a good choice, like Castrol Edge Syntech 0W-30, for better cold starts and mpg's.
For Northern colder climates, a thinner approved oil is a good choice, like Castrol Edge Syntech 0W-30, for better cold starts and mpg's.
However, there is a non-ESP Formula M, simply Mobil 1 Formula M 5w40 that is completely approved against the gasoline spec.
The dealers rarely use the ESP one in a gasoline car, it would be a screw up.
The problem is the name of the oils! The only difference in the two Formula M products by "name" is the ESP, so it causes confusion, but the formulas are actually quite different.
The other reason confusion happens is that in parts stores you will *ONLY* find the ESP version, diesel variant. Therefore, most of us (including myself in the past) didn't realize there was a gasoline version of Formula M too, that only the dealers get.
03-05-2012, 02:09 PM
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The other reason confusion happens is that in parts stores you will *ONLY* find the ESP version, diesel variant. Therefore, most of us (including myself in the past) didn't realize there was a gasoline version of Formula M too, that only the dealers get.
Note that my Post #2 is wrong in this matter.
.
Last edited by kevink2; 03-07-2012 at 11:27 AM.
03-05-2012, 03:37 PM
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2008 C300 6speed, 2015 GLK 250 2017 E400 wagon
Use O-w40 mobil 1 euro period. If your dealer uses 5w40. Request 0-w40 I can't imagine they charge u less for for 5w40 service. The Esp gets dirty fast, wouldn't want it for a long interval change. Just My Opinion.
03-05-2012, 07:10 PM
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Recently, I had my 08E350 in for service F @ Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach, CA, they use 5-40 synthetic for my car (sign off by the tech in the wroksheet). I am not worry much about the vicosity (0-40W or 5-40W), because I live on a warmer climate as far as the oil is approved by an authorized dealer it should be good.
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03-05-2012, 07:59 PM
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Recently, I had my 08E350 in for service F @ Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach, CA, they use 5-40 synthetic for my car (sign off by the tech in the wroksheet). I am not worry much about the vicosity (0-40W or 5-40W), because I live on a warmer climate as far as the oil is approved by an authorized dealer it should be good.
.
Last edited by kevink2; 03-07-2012 at 11:25 AM. Reason: Mobil-1 Formula M ESP 5W-40 for diesels, sold by bottle at parts.
03-06-2012, 01:23 AM
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However, I was completely wrong and embarrassed and my oil analysis showed they had not used the ESP oil on my cars. They gave me the non-ESP Formula M.
It would really be a major screw up for a dealer to use the ESP product.
Now, has it happened across the entire United States? With all the confusion, you would almost think it has indeed happened somewhere, sadly. However, hopefully not as much as we think.
They should have never had Mobil create the non-ESP Formula M as it caused this confusion on EVERYONE's side. They should have stuck with 0w40 for gasoline (without any Formula M tagline) and the ESP 5w40 for diesel.
Is it Wilmington that you believe is using ESP? People are smart to keep a close eye on what the dealer is using!
Last edited by mac911; 03-06-2012 at 01:29 AM.
03-06-2012, 01:25 AM
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Recently, I had my 08E350 in for service F @ Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach, CA, they use 5-40 synthetic for my car (sign off by the tech in the wroksheet). I am not worry much about the vicosity (0-40W or 5-40W), because I live on a warmer climate as far as the oil is approved by an authorized dealer it should be good.
I actually brought that up with MBUSA too. They assured me it was approved.
Last edited by mac911; 03-06-2012 at 01:35 AM.
03-06-2012, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by KevinK2
Parts guy here gave me the whole story. They started out with M1 0W-40 in tanks, and diesel oil in bottles. Then with the arrival of blue tec(?) diesels, they put Formula M in the tanks, and ESP Formula M in bottles. Recently, it's ESP for all.
As many owners have no idea, and can't rely on the Service Mgrs for sure, I'll google and start calling parts guys in other states.
As many owners have no idea, and can't rely on the Service Mgrs for sure, I'll google and start calling parts guys in other states.
.
Last edited by kevink2; 03-07-2012 at 11:32 AM.
03-06-2012, 10:45 AM
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Parts guy here gave me the whole story. They started out with M1 0W-40 in tanks, and diesel oil in bottles. Then with the arrival of blue tec(?) diesels, they put Formula M in the tanks, and ESP Formula M in bottles. Recently, it's ESP for all.
As many owners have no idea, and can't rely on the Service Mgrs for sure, I'll google and start calling parts guys in other states.
.
As many owners have no idea, and can't rely on the Service Mgrs for sure, I'll google and start calling parts guys in other states.
.
The ESP probably works fine for the first couple thousand miles, but it will lose its pack fast.
The incompetence of many dealers is outright scary.
One thing people don't have to worry about is if they have a Penske dealership (many of the dealerships with a Smart agency is a Penske agency). Most, if not all Penske Mercedes dealerships are using Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5w40 now. It is completely approved and rich in additives. They should have no problem, though Mobil 1 0w40 is still my favorite for personal reasons.
03-06-2012, 01:47 PM
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OK. As if this isn't confusing enough, here is what you find at Mobil's web page.
Shaking my head and muttering..........
Wayne
Mobil 1 0W-40 (European Car Formula in North America) meets or exceeds the requirements of leading industry and car manufacturers’ standards required for newer modern gasoline and diesel powered automobile engines. The Mobil 1 technology is race proven and the choice of NASCAR® racing. Mobil 1 0W-40 is perfect for all types of vehicles and has the performance reserve to protect when conventional motor oils may not. Mobil 1 technology comes as standard equipment in many different performance vehicles.
Applications
Mobil 1 0W-40 is recommended for all types of modern vehicles, especially high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks.
Mobil 1 0W-40 is especially suitable for extreme conditions, where conventional oil often may not perform.
It is not recommended for two-cycle or aviation engines, unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
Specifications
Mobil 1 0W-40 meets or exceeds the requirements of:
API SN/SM/SL/SJ
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
Nissan GT-R
Mobil 1 0W-40 is of the following builders approval:
MB-Approval 229.3
MB-Approval 229.5
BMW LONGLIFE OIL 01
VW 502 00
VW 505 00
PORSCHE A40
Mobil 1 0W-40 is of the following quality level:
OPEL Long Life Service Fill GM-LL-A-025
OPEL Diesel Service Fill GM-LL-B-025
SAAB
FIAT FIAT 9.55535 – M2
FIAT FIAT 9.55525 – N2
FIAT FIAT 9.55535 – Z2
API CF
Applications
Mobil 1 0W-40 is recommended for all types of modern vehicles, especially high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks.
Mobil 1 0W-40 is especially suitable for extreme conditions, where conventional oil often may not perform.
It is not recommended for two-cycle or aviation engines, unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
Specifications
Mobil 1 0W-40 meets or exceeds the requirements of:
API SN/SM/SL/SJ
ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
Nissan GT-R
Mobil 1 0W-40 is of the following builders approval:
MB-Approval 229.3
MB-Approval 229.5
BMW LONGLIFE OIL 01
VW 502 00
VW 505 00
PORSCHE A40
Mobil 1 0W-40 is of the following quality level:
OPEL Long Life Service Fill GM-LL-A-025
OPEL Diesel Service Fill GM-LL-B-025
SAAB
FIAT FIAT 9.55535 – M2
FIAT FIAT 9.55525 – N2
FIAT FIAT 9.55535 – Z2
API CF
Wayne
03-07-2012, 11:44 AM
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Mac called my local dealer here, and then I called too for the 2nd time. The parts guy I had first talked to was wrong. The big tanks, where the work station fill-hose comes from, are filled with proper M1 Formula M 5W-40 gas engine oil. The ESP version for diesels is sold separately in bottles, at the parts counter. Thanks Mac for clearing this up.
Note that my Post #2 is wrong in this matter ... but beyond reach of editing.
.
Note that my Post #2 is wrong in this matter ... but beyond reach of editing.
.
03-07-2012, 12:32 PM
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Mac called my local dealer here, and then I called too for the 2nd time. The parts guy I had first talked to was wrong. The big tanks, where the work station fill-hose comes from, are filled with proper M1 Formula M 5W-40 gas engine oil. The ESP version for diesels is sold separately in bottles, at the parts counter. Thanks Mac for clearing this up.
Note that my Post #2 is wrong in this matter ... but beyond reach of editing.
.
Note that my Post #2 is wrong in this matter ... but beyond reach of editing.
.
Just the fact they gave the wrong answers at first shows the need for us to all be cautious.
Thanks kevin for keeping us on the lookout! Our cars deserve our care and attention.
